Using a brain-computer interface to make a prosthetic hand feel (Image by: i2.cdn.turner)

Restoring the sense of touch with a prosthetic hand through a brain interface

The human hand uses sensory feedback for dexterity as well as providing an emotional component. It would be desirable for a prosthetic hand to provide this feedback. Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) of primary somatosensory cortex may be mimicked to convey information about the hand.

There are three main components: - Location on hand: Signalling where to grasp. The test showed that localized ICMS elicits a relevant sensation in the hand. - Pressure: To avoid crushing or dropping. Tests showed that ICMS amplitude changes convey different pressures, although it is unclear if the perception is entirely accurate. - Timing: Contact signals the end of the reach-phase, stimulating the grasp-phase. The test showed that pressure feedback must be added to with phasic ICMS trains at the beginning and end of contact.

This method would involve evasive surgery; more trials are needed to validate human use. Modification may be needed for those whose somatosensory cortex has been interrupted (amputation etc.). >From: Tabot, et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 110(2013) 18279-84. All rights reserved to the National Academy of Sciences.

Visit the Pubmed summary for more information or click here for the free full text version!

On top of that, watch an awesome video of how exactly a prosthetic hand is able to feel here, or read deeper into the science of touch here!

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